I’ve been lurking for a few days, trying to say “Chiff and Fipple” three times fast. I guess “Fiff and Whiffle” or “Chip and Fiffle” are close enough.
I just bought my first whistle: a Susato Kildare Low D.
Now I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not ignorant. Just stubborn. Or stupid, if you will. I have some experience with flute and recorder, maybe that won’t do any good or maybe it will. I guess we’ll find out when my whistle gets here. So I may end up posting my frustration on here for your encouragement and/or we-told-you-so-go-buy-a-high-d.
I think I must be in the very early stages of WhOA. I ordered my whistle on Saturday and it should be arriving from The Whistle Shop on Thursday. The anticipation is driving me crazy. This morning I was listening to my Máire Brennan Cd (which was what had renewed the fascination that started with, yes I admit it, that stupid Titanic movie :roll: ) and thinking about my whistle while I was getting ready for work. And next thing I know, I was wearing white socks and running shoes! The dress code is business casual, but not that casual. I just know it: I’m doomed!
If you learn to play even moderately well on the Low D (particularly the Susato, which IMHO is not really a beginner’s instrument) you’ll be surprised at how good you sound when you succomb and get a decent high D.
Why conform! If your heart said low whistle, then that’s the place to start. And since you’ve got some wind experience that should help.
I’m a beginner, too, but I’ve been a musician all my life. If I’d started playing what I wanted from the beginning I would have saved a lot of frustrating years. I think our true longing is our roadmap to a happy life. So enjoy your new beginning. It may (or may not) be a tough road to start with but so what…Party On!
No worries! my first whistle was a Kerry low D that I saw in the local music shop window. I hadn’t touched a whistle for years but I just liked the look of it & had to have it.
Welcome Alicia! If you keep reading here, your collection of whistles will certainly expand, this forum is inspiring and fun, and very irreverent. I keep reading reviews of whistles and thinking " Why don’t I have one of those yet?"
Somewhere in this forum is a great picture of JessieK’s collection…we all have a way to go.
Welcome Alicia. You are in big trouble and don’t even suspect a thing. I am just learning to play a low whistle myself. It is different. But hang in there it gets easier. BTW when ordering always order a bunch of whistles. It is more economical shipping wise.
Welcome, Alicia! Yes – run for the hills! There is no hope as long as you are exposing yourself to the high levels of WhOA viruses here on C&F. We’ve all got it, and we are all happy to share the bug.
In spite of that – enjoy your Susato low D. If you have flute experience, it won’t be as difficult for you. Piper’s grip will be necessary and may feel a little weird at first. Be patient – it wil be beautiful!
Welcome Alicia, you should be glad that you did not start with a Clarke’s like i did. Then besides chewing the paint off the outside I almost chewed the wood out of the inside and drove several dogs and cats to run away never to return, as I learned such gens as ‘Thank God Wer’e Surrounded By Creameries’. Also I once tried to play "The Hucklebuck’ but when a neighbor arrived with a loaded shotgun looking for the Devil, I had to quit.
I’ve been playing SAT recorders for 9 months. I picked up an OAK soprano D early on because I felt getting the breath control correct on the whistle would help with the recorder. I think it has.
Three weeks ago I bought several whistles, including a Susato low D. I hope you have good lungs!
I definately need piper grip on the low D. .. Still trying to make that work (and looking for suggestions hint, hint). Anyway, after practicing on the low-D for a while I switch to the Oak soprano D and boy, I actually sound pretty good.
I also got some sweetones and no-name C and D soprono’s when I bought the susato. I think the Oak beats them all in sound quality. Except, I do like the sound of the low-D (just like I prefer my tenor recorder). When I get it right, it sounds nice. Too bad that’s so rare.
I hope you both enjoy your Susato Low D’s. Once you get that dreaded “piper’s grip” down you’ll love the Low whistle. BUT I predict future whistle purchases … lots and lots. You will “have” to try all the whistles mentioned on C&F, that will fit your finances. WhOA may not be terminal – but it is definitely contagious!
~Judy
PS – Ah, Chuck … 5 out of 7 here. Does it count if Thom Larson of The Whistle Shop knows your name?
Or stupid, if you will. I have some experience with flute and recorder, maybe that won’t do any good or maybe it will. I guess we’ll find out when my whistle gets here. So I may end up posting my frustration on here for your encouragement and/or we-told-you-so-go-buy-a-high-d. 
Then what am I DOING here?!?!?! I should be running for my life! Seems that bug is contagious.
